Work and Family

Although the “traditional” family—a father who works outside the home and financially supports the children and a mother whose work is keeping the house and raising the children—has been disappearing for more than a generation, our workplaces and government policies have not kept pace with America’s new reality.

Most children are growing up in homes with both parents working or with single parents. One-third of workers don’t have access to paid sick leave, and only 42 percent have paid personal leave. What’s the impact on public health when working people can’t afford to take sick days during a flu epidemic? Who takes care of a sick child? Who’s home to fix dinner and help with homework? Who can dedicate time to a sick elderly parent?

The recession and jobless recovery have complicated life further for working families, when having to leave work for a family emergency could lead to long-term unemployment.

More about this issue:

Sep 13, 2024 | News Story

The musicians of the New York Philharmonic (represented by AFM Local 802) are in negotiations for a fair contract! For over a decade, the musicians' salary and benefits have flatlined -- and have now fallen nearly 30% below comparable orchestras in Boston, Chicago, and L.A.

Sep 13, 2024 | News Story

Child Care Subsidies are now available across New York City! These vouchers can be used for any type of child care provider and can save parents an average of $15,000 per year (per child) in child care expenses. Parents must be living in New York City or and meet income restrictions.

Aug 30, 2024 | News Story

As we celebrate another well-deserved Labor Day weekend, I want to take the opportunity to extend our gratitude to all of you for your activism and solidarity throughout the year.

Aug 30, 2024 | News Story

Support for unions stays strong as a majority of Americans continue to view labor unions in a positive light, according to a new Gallup survey released Wednesday.

Aug 30, 2024 | News Story

The Bernhardt Labor Journalism Prize is an award of $1000 given to an article that furthers the understanding of the history of working people.

Aug 23, 2024 | News Story

Dozens of contracted cleaners and 32BJ SEIU union members rallied outside Con Edison’s Union Square headquarters on August 14th to demand the company nix ties with Nelson Services Systems, a contractor that workers say pays sub-par wages.

Aug 23, 2024 | News Story

Unionized editorial workers at LexisNexis-owned Law360 have put management on notice that they will walk off the job on an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in September unless there’s real progress in rectifying the harm caused by the company’s unlawful tactics and at the bargaining table.

Aug 23, 2024 | News Story

At 33, Shauna Irving is the youngest ever president of the women’s club of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local  3, and she’s using her platform to recruit more young women in the field.

Aug 15, 2024 | News Story

The Executive Board of the New York City Central Labor Council last week adopted a resolution recognizing that workers in retail stores, pharmacies and supermarkets in New York are vulnerable to ver

Aug 16, 2024 | News Story

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a